Guide to Voting in Person
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What to Expect When You Vote in Person
To vote in person on Election Day, you must visit your assigned voting location based on your physical address. Find your voting location here.
How to Prepare:
- Confirm that you are registered to vote. You can check your voter registration online.
- If you are not registered, you can register at your voting location with a photo ID and proof of residence.
- Make sure you have what you need to vote. A photo ID or signed affidavit attesting to your identity is required every time you vote. Learn more about registering or updating your registration.
- Voting locations are neutral, non-partisan spaces, so do not wear or bring anything to vote that promotes a candidate, issue, or party on the ballot.
- Research candidates and issues ahead of time. Many Idaho local media outlets and non-profit groups produce voter guides or survey candidates on the issues. You may bring notes to assist you in the voting booth. Find out what is on your ballot.
- Learn the election dates and important deadlines.
When you arrive at early voting or your assigned Election Day voting location, also referred to as your polling place, you will check in with an election worker.
If you are already registered, you will be asked to show photo identification:
Checking-in and Voting
- Idaho driver’s license or identification card
- U.S. Passport or Federal photo Identification card
- Tribal Identification card
- Concealed weapons license issued by a county sheriff in Idaho
Not registered to vote? In Idaho, you can register at your voting location or at early voting. Learn more about registering to vote.
You will be asked to give your name and current address and provide your ID. After you sign the poll book or electronic poll book, you will be given a ballot.
Voting booths or machines are available to cast your vote in secret. Follow the instructions carefully. Depending on your county, you will either hand mark a paper ballot, or use a ballot marking device.
- If marking your ballot by hand, use the available pens and fill in the box or oval completely.
- Pay attention to ballot instructions and vote only for the appropriate number of candidates in each race.
Primary Elections & Your Political Party
For a primary election, you will be given a choice of which ballot you would like to vote on. Your party choice can affect which primary election races you are eligible to vote on. Learn more about Idaho Primary elections.
Accessible Voting
Every Idaho voter has the right to vote privately and independently. Visit the resource page with information on accessible voting.
Once you have filled out your ballot, return it to the secure collection box or tabulation scanners. An election worker will ask you your name and announce that you have voted. Grab an “I Voted” sticker and wear it proudly!
Issues or Concerns When Voting
If you have any questions or concerns about the voting process or the voting location, talk to an election worker. They are there to assist you.
Mistakes on your ballot
If you make a mistake when you fill out your ballot, take the ballot to a poll worker and exchange it for a new ballot. Once you cast your ballot, you cannot correct any mistakes or have a new ballot issued to you.
In line to vote after polls close
If you are in line to vote by 8 p.m. on Election Day, you may vote, even after polls close.
Personal Identification Affidavit
A registered voter may sign a Personal Identification Affidavit instead of presenting photo identification.
On the Affidavit, the voter provides their name and address swears to his/her identity under penalty of perjury, a felony under Idaho Statute §34-1114. After signing the Affidavit, the voter will be issued a ballot to be tabulated with all other ballots.
